Welcome to Tanosborn ONLINE

Fourteen years ago I started writing a weekly sociopolitical column, “Behind the Mirror,” hoping to bring new perspectives that would allow us to see ourselves with borrowed eyes… not just our American eyes.

Those new perspectives have proven to be a bit raw at times for an American readership unaccustomed to self-criticism and the challenges which most often accompany the truth. And nowhere can the truth be more obfuscated than in matters concerning international relations. To counter our perceived American obstinacy in the perpetuation of myths and ideas of an idyllic, fairy-tale America, we have tried to provide information and discussion to help bring clarity in both domestic and international fronts; our hope that in the latter we would find some opportunity for a more reasonable and impartial evaluation of our foreign policy.

Since early in 2003 we have observed, and challenged, the hawkish actions and policies enacted during one-and-one-half terms of a misguided George W. Bush presidency in both domestic and international arenas which left the United States in never-ending wars, bankrupt and depression-bound… after helping to widen the great abyss between rich and poor; all while maintaining an imperial military-might serving as police force for multi-flag global capitalism; or, as many political analysts will contend, as the raison d’être for terrorism.

But Bush’s exit from American politics, contrary to the ballooned expectations of some and the unrealistic hopes of many did not bring change in the way the US is governed. Not much… Not at all! After two terms in office, Barack Obama has become living proof that he is another Commander-In-Continuity… and absolutely nothing else. Although showing capable leadership in the domestic front, both economic and social, President Obama did not possess the magical attributes to overcome a yet-racist America, or the tentacles that keep American foreign policy subservient to Israel. Mr. Obama will likely enter the annals of history as a capable political gentilhomme… but not the leader, a la Lincoln-FDR, that the US is in dire need today.

A new era in American politics has entered with the election of Donald J. Trump. For now, we will reserve anticipatory comments… providing critiques only at the time when his policies yield results which can be measured against our standards for peace and progress.

Necessary changes in foreign policy – the principal cause for all OUR wars; and in domestic economic policy – the reason for grouping Americans in two camps of rich and poor, are not about to change until there is an upheaval in all aspects of American society: social, political and economic. Until that day comes, we shall continue challenging American politics with our progressive voice… heralding, as loudly as we are allowed, our cry for social justice.

About Ben Tanosborn

After completing graduate studies at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), BT set out for a career in international business that would take him to five continents, expose him to several cultures, and make him realize the importance for any and all Americans to become goodwill ambassadors for the United States. With his socio-political columns, BT hopes to bring to the forefront issues that are relevant to the national discussion in international affairs. His column appears, both in digital and printed newspapers, in several countries... and languages.

His writings, however, extend beyond the journalistic and non-fictional confines. His passion is for the treatment, in either short story or novella form, of historical fiction, myths and legends, contemporary romance and narrative poetry. An anthology of historical short stories centered in the Pacific Northwest (USA), E Pluribus Undecim, was published in December 2011 under his fiction pen name, Gil Tower-Meadow.

BT resides in Vancouver, Washington (USA) where he operates a business consulting firm.

You do not get a man's most effective criticism until you provoke him. Severe truth is expressed with some bitterness.